Industry Stakeholder Perceptions of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage: The Case Study of the Tees Valley Industrial Cluster

Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) is an essential mitigation technology to contribute to the Net Zero transition. It captures carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from industry processes and either purifies and inserts the gas again in the circular economy (utilization) or transports it to a suitable underground storage, stopping emissions. The United Kingdom (UK) has unique geology, skills, and infrastructure and consequently a strategic advantage for CCUS when compared to other countries, especially the coastal North Sea regions (e.g., Tees Valley). This study focused on the Tees Valley Industrial Cluster to understand the constraining and enabling factors of the CCUS technology deployment, from the perspective of local experts and practitioners, whose role is to implement actions to reduce GHG emissions. Two workshops were held to explore practitioners’ attitudes towards the technology, perceived benefits of the technology, barriers and enablers for implementation and factors that would need to be in place to support technology implementation. Qualitative data collected in the workshops were analyzed to identify common themes. Participants agreed that business and industry sectors must play their part in mitigating climate change. They also agreed that it is fundamental to support the green transition and the implementation of net zero-related technologies. The perceived benefits of CCUS are the contribution to fulfill Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) standards and an increased ability to attract young workers, interested in sustainability. Barriers for implementation include lack of knowledge about the technology, costs of the technology, volatility of the carbon markets, political uncertainty, risks, and negative public perceptions. Regional factors such as local political support were identified as crucial to the success of technology deployment. A reliable UK Industry Strategy, investment in the technology and supply chain, local investment in skills, knowledge, education, and research were considered essential to ensure further technology adoption.